Agenda item

Charter Trustees considered a report of the Clerk to Charter Trustees  regarding a proposed ceremonial event and to consider a request to contribute topresentation expenses (for copy see file of minutes).

The Clerk advised that he and the Mayor’s PA had been in close contact with

RAF organisers regarding a ceremonial event which was due to take place later in the year at Durham Cathedral and on Palace Green. The event was part of RAF100 northern celebrations and would include a commemoration service and a march past/inspection including air cadets and members of No. 607 Squadron.

It was reported as part of the Cathedral service, it was proposed that the Mayor would make a presentation of the Freedom of the City Certificate and take a central role in the events of the day accompanied by Mayoral officers

and Bodyguard. It was expected that Charter Trustees would be invited

together with senior officers/members of Durham County Council

The RAF were organising logistics of the proposed events in conjunction with

the Lord Lieutenant’s Office, Durham University and Durham Cathedral

and Mayor’s office. The organisers have requested if Charter Trustees would

contribute to the expenses of receptions and presentation on the day.

The Treasurer advised that there was scope for reserves to be utilised if Charter Trustees wished to do so. The Clerk was in contact with the Chairman of the RAF Auxiliary who would be providing contribution details.

Members were aware that when granting Freedom of the City, there would be costs associated with that honour. They discussed the presentation, costs associated with the Freedom of City and the contribution to the RAF centennial celebration. The Clerk advised that it was not possible to know the full cost, however time was of the essence and Trustees agreed to the contribution in support of an exceptional event.

Seconded by Councillor Hopgood, Councillor Dunn proposed to delegate authority to the Mayor and the Clerk to Charter Trustees to make the requested contribution and report the amount back to Charter Trustees.

Resolved:

That delegate authority be given to the Mayor and the Clerk to Charter Trustees to make the requested contribution and report the amount back to Charter Trustees.